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THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019 | IN THIS ISSUE
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SmartScripts, a medical technology company that delivers pre-packaged prescriptions, vitamins and supplements in what it calls "a safe, convenient and accurate system," has expanded to Iowa City.
Headquartered in Washington, Iowa,
the company announced Wednesday it had opened a second location on the ACT property on the northeast side of the city.
"We've seen significant growth since launching the business in 2016." said Todd Thompson, who co-founded the company with Samantha Zoske, in a news release. "As we continue to grow, we realized the need to expand both our team and our presence in Iowa and beyond. This space, which sits right off of Interstate 80 and is only a few miles from the University of Iowa campus, was the perfect match. We're excited to be a part of the Iowa City community,"
Proximity to the University of Iowa was a driving factor for SmartScripts' decision to open its second location in Iowa City.
"We're excited about the talent pool that is in the Iowa City area," Mr. Thompson said. "We hope that the University of Iowa will provide a steady stream of talent to fill positions within the company."
Mark Nolte, president of the Iowa City Area Development Group, said his organization was "happy to have SmartScripts in our community, and to see the continued growth of the medtech cluster in the Iowa City area."
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Registration is open for Kirkwood Community College's new educational program format for adults called FlexFORWARD.
FlexFORWARD is based off of a Competency Based Education (CBE) model. Students in a CBE format can move through their program faster depending on how quickly they can demonstrate their knowledge of the required course content. This allows those in the program to move through the curriculum faster, which will save the student time and money. The new format also features online classes, which gives students the flexibility they need to succeed.
According to Kirkwood Associate Dean of Distance Learning Dave Hunt, FlexFORWARD is designed to fit into the busy lifestyle of an adult student.
"Today's adult student has a lot to juggle in their daily lives," said Mr. Hunt in a news release. "It's really a balance of work, kids, home life, and everything else they have going on. FlexFORWARD addresses many of the hurdles to getting an education that people face. It makes getting a college degree, or coming back to finish one, realistic and achievable for adults with busy lives."
In addition to the self-paced, flexible nature of the program, FlexFORWARD students will have access to financial aid, scholarships, a personal success coach and many courses include their materials at no charge. Students also will be able to take advantage of the academic resources and tools that the college offers to all students as well.
The first academic program accepting students in the FlexFORWARD format is Business Administration: Management. Additional CBE programs will be added at a later date.
The new format will begin this fall.
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A mixed-use development proposed by Iowa Corridor Group LLC that would bring 36 multifamily buildings and 17 acres of commercial development to a 40-acre tract north of the Oakdale Medical Classification Center has received initial approval from the Coralville City Council.
At its meeting on May 28, city council members passed an ordinance to rezone the 40 acres along Coral Ridge Avenue from R-1 Single family Dwelling to an R-PUD 2, and R-1 Single Family Dwelling to C-PUD 1 Commercial Development. Of the 40 acres rezoned, 23 acres are slated to be used for the residential Redhawk development.
The development will combine one- and two-bedroom apartments in buildings of 36 units each. Amenities will include underground parking, a dog park, a pool, a firepit and a bocce ball court.
The city previously approved a Land Use amendment from Corridor Commercial to Medium Density Residential for the 23-acre property. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-1 for approval of the re-zoning.
Corridor Group LLC and Mark Avis are seeking approval for the project.
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The registration deadline is rapidly approaching for the CBJ's 2019 Mid-Year Economic Review. The June 26 luncheon will examine how the economy has changed in 2019, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Corridor businesses.
Ernie Goss, Jack MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University, will deliver the keynote address. Each month Creighton University surveys bank CEOs in rural, agriculturally dependent areas of 10 Mid-Western states and manufacturing supply managers in urban areas of nine Mid-America states. Mr. Goss will provide a summary of recent survey results detailing risks and opportunities for businesses, banks and investors. He will devote particular attention to the impact of trade on the regional economy.
Following Mr. Goss' remarks, Jack Evans, chairman of The Hall-Perrine Foundation, will moderate a panel discussion of leaders from leading indicator industries. Panelists will include:
- David Barker, partner at Barker Apartments
- Chris Hummer, president of Don Hummer Trucking Corp.
- Tom Pientok, president and CEO of Timberline Manufacturing
- Robin Therme, president of CIVCO Medical Solutions
- Heidi Vittetoe, manager of J.W. Vittetoe Pork Ltd.
The event will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. June 26 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids.Tickets are $50 per individual and $500 per table of 10. For more information or to register, visit
www.corridorbusiness.com/events or call Ashley Levitt at (319) 665-6397, ext. 311. Registration closes June 19.
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Joe Reilly
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The Iowa City Downtown District will host Nightcap with the Nighttime Mayor at Joe's Place from 8-9 p.m. June 25. Nightcap with the Nighttime Mayor is a new initiative from recently-hired Nighttime Mayor Joe Reilly.
The idea is a twist on the Coffee with a Cop program where police and community members come together in an informal setting to talk about community issues and build relationships. Nightcap with the Nighttime Mayor will aim to do something similar.
The goal is to allow business owners and community members the opportunity to meet the new downtown nighttime mayor, ask questions, communicate ideas or issues in a small group or one-on-one in an informal and comfortable setting.
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I look forward to engaging the stakeholders and patrons of the Downtown District. My hope is this informal format offers another channel to access me that makes for a naturally open flow of dialogue," said Mr. Reilly in a news release. "Over the last few weeks on the job, I have been busy meeting lots of business and community members. This is just another way for me to learn more and help develop this position further."
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June 17
Coralville Roundtable,
by Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, noon-1 p.m., Backpocket Brewing, 903 Quarry Road, Coralville. Members are invited to network and keep up-to-date with chamber and community events. Free. For more information, visit
iowacityarea.com.
June 18
Iowa City Roundtable,
by Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce,noon-1 p.m., India Café, 227 E. Washington St., Iowa City.
Members are invited to network and keep up-to-date with chamber and community events. Free. For more information, visit
iowacityarea.com.
June 19
1 Million Cups, by 1MC Cedar Rapids, 8:15-9:15 a.m., Geonetric, 415 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. Join for community connections, free coffee, and presentations by entrepreneurs, established companies, experts and more. Free. For more information, visit
facebook.com/1MCICR.
1 Million Cups, by 1MC Iowa City, 9-10 a.m.,
MERGE, 136 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City. Join for community connections, free coffee, and presentations by entrepreneurs, established companies, experts and more
. Free. For more information, visit
facebook.com/1MillionCupsIC/.
North Liberty Roundtable, by Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, noon-1 p.m., Reds Alehouse, 405 N. Dubuque St., North Liberty. Members are invited to network and keep up-to-date with chamber and community events. Free. For more information, visit
iowacityarea.com.
June 20
Secrets to Sales Success,
by Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, 8-9:15 a.m., Economic Alliance, 501 First St. SE. Learn how to structure your day, present better proposals and win more deals. Free. To register, visit bit.ly/2LFVGaj.
Minimizing Exposure to Harassment Claims,
by SCORE of East Central Iowa, 11:30-1 p.m., Hills Bank, 3905 Blairs Ferry Road NE, Cedar Rapids. Learn how to protect yourself and your business if you are hit with a harassment claim. Free. To register, visit conta.cc/2Z0u41B.
Re-Connect: Careers & Conversation,
by IowaWORKS, 1 p.m., IowaWORKS Center, 4444 First Ave. #436, Cedar Rapids. Monthly employer panel that hosts employers from the six major industry sectors in the region. Each employer will present their industry sector, their individual company, and answer questions from job candidates. Free. For more information, visit bit.ly/2LeoSos.
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in the CBJ Book of Lists - THE definitive resource guide for business leaders. Ranked information on Corridor companies by sector, regional market facts and profiles of the most influential people under one cover. Don't be left out - Be Seen! For advertising information, contact Andrea Rhoades at
[email protected]
.
Note: The CBJ is now observing summer hours through Aug. 30. The CBJ offices will be open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Fridays, 8 a.m.-noon.
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Headlines from CBS2/FOX 28
These news items are provided by CBS2/FOX 28
Hospital workers who care for veterans in eastern Iowa are afraid they could lose certain rights if a new contract with the federal government is approved. The concern comes after several weeks of negotiations between union leaders and administrators from the Department of Veterans Affairs have, so far, failed to lead to a new labor agreement. Wednesday night, dozens of union workers held an informational picket outside the Iowa City VA Hospital. "What they're offering is conditions that are substandard to the industry at any other hospital," said Tim Sproul, vice president of AFGE Local 2547. Mr. Sproul and others are concerned about plans to cut time allowed for union work, eliminating VA whistleblower protections and centralizing policing of unfair labor practices. Read the full story
here.
Callie Welsh said she never thought she'd have to fear for her daughter's safety after she dropped her off at school. Last Thursday that changed for the worse.
Two juveniles have been arrested after Ms. Welsh's young daughter was attacked outside Vernon Middle School after the last day of school. Ms. Welsh, as well as the victim's father, Seth Moomey, say their daughter was assaulted last Thursday afternoon on the north end of the school.
Marion Police Department confirms to CBS2 that "a juvenile female was assaulted and received minor injuries" and two have been charged in the incident. They have not yet been able to confirm the exact charges. Read the full story here.
T
hese news items are provided by CBS2/FOX 28
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CBS2 Chief Meteorologist Terry Swails' Weather First Forecast
High pressure, that moved in behind yesterday's front, will lead to a sunny, comfortable Thursday. Temperatures will be in the upper 60s to low 70s this afternoon and it will be a little breezy at times.
That high pressure system will move to the east Friday and winds will turn out of the south. Warmer air and more humidity will begin to creep in. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 70s Friday and clouds will build through the day. A few showers and thunderstorms will be possible late Friday into Saturday morning. A cold front will then move through the state Saturday and could lead to a few more showers and storms in the afternoon. Temperatures will be near 80 and it will be more humid.
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